Nevada

Atomic Survival Town

A picture-perfect town, perfect for blowing up

Brick house at the Nevada Test Site
Photo by Wikimedia | Copyright: Creative Commons
Operation Teapot detonation at the Nevada Test Site in 1955
Photo by Wikimedia | Copyright: Creative Commons
Operation Teapot detonation at the Nevada Test Site in 1955
Photo by Wikimedia | Copyright: Creative Commons
Wooden house at the Nevada Test Site
Photo by Wikimedia | Copyright: Creative Commons
Outside the Nevada Test Site
Photo by Top Secret Bases | Copyright: Top Secret Bases
Outside the Nevada Test Site
Photo by Top Secret Bases | Copyright: Top Secret Bases
Outside the Nevada Test Site
Photo by Top Secret Bases | Copyright: Top Secret Bases

Contributors: derukanjiru, Rachel, FosterVS, Allison

In 1955 a series of 14 Nuclear test explosions were set off in the Nevada desert at Yucca Flats.

Known as "Operation Teacup" the most memorable part of the tests were the purpose built homes and structures structures set at varying distances from the blasts to test the impact and effects of the explosions, known as "Survival Town" - or slightly less optimistically, "Doom Town."

The most disturbing element of the fake town was its citizens: the homes were populated by 1950s picture-perfect mannequin families, bravely facing their imminent doom going about their daily routines in dapper outfits. Thousands of spectators watched the blasts from what was thought to be a safe distance (note: it was not a safe distance).

Public tours are available.